Hello, I'm Craig Turner...

BRAND STRATEGIST
As a brand strategist, I use my Superpower to inspire entrepreneurs and organizations to find their own Superpower, so they can contribute positively to society and make their communities and the world a better place.

I believe being a leader is helping others move forward. I take pride in being a workhorse for my clients. I lead clients to business growth by helping them clarify their story, communicate their Superpower and connect with an audience that shares their vision and joins their mission. A strong brand strategy generates tremendous value, especially over time. I help organizations grow so they can multiply the good work they do.

I earned a Master's in Design Research & Development from the Ohio State University Department of Design and studied comprehensive processes for building stronger brands. I devoted my graduate research to helping small-to-mid-sized organizations go beyond the visual aspects of their brand.

As the foundation for my thesis, I led a brand strategy project for the LGBTQ organization, Stonewall Columbus. It was during this incredible experience that I met my business partner, Thomas Grote. We worked extraordinarily well together and were aligned in our values, and so Grote Turner began.

I also teach with the OSU Department of Design and wrote the curriculum for “Presentation as Thinking.” My class combines four concepts: design, brand, innovation, and presentation. Having the opportunity to positively influence the development of a student is a true privilege. I can only hope my students learn as much from me as I learn from them.

I formed an alliance with the Columbus Society of Communicating Arts to create its first student chapter, CSCA at Ohio State and served as president of the official student organization for two years.

photo by JeffryKonczal.com

I served as Trip Advisor for Ohio State’s Buck-I-SERV, working with Habitat for Humanity, Lafayette, Louisiana, and City of Refuge, Atlanta, Georgia.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGNER
I earned my second bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design from Ohio State. There, I was first hooked by the concept of brand. Brand stories justified design decisions and I was intrigued by the combination of art and science that connected organizations with their audience.

I worked as a print and digital designer for a decade, focusing on brand development for my growing community. For L Brands International, I created a corporate identity system and facilitated training courses to build international partner relations. The L Brands International identity unified partners from across the globe.

I joined multiple agencies, including Fahlgren Mortine, SBC Advertising, and Formation Studio. In 2014, I volunteered for the Independents’ Day Festival in the Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio and served as Art & Design Team Leader in 2015. There, I developed the “Year of the Robot," with Illustrator Nicholas Nocera.

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I started Orchid Ink Letterpress with much grease and solvent to combine art and design and made Hanging Bamboo Gardens to bring plant life into people’s lives.

ARTIST
I received my first bachelor's degree from OSU in Fine Art. I studied ceramics, sculpture and painting and I made music. As a child I identified as an artist. Creativity came naturally and I was encouraged by my folks to follow my own path, so I did.

My first job was as an entrepreneur. I cut grass and landscaped gardens in my neighborhood. I proudly carry on this legacy of entrepreneurship as Executive Director of the EDGE Innovation Hub.

I happily live in Columbus, Ohio — the city I love.